Make a running tally of where you spend money and how much. You may be surprised at what you see. I did this one month and was astounded that I had spent over half my after-tax income on restaurants, Starbucks, and the like.

Yes... coffee and vending machines seem harmless, but they add up to a car payment at the end of the month.  Frankly, I still don't know why I was spending money on coffee when there was free coffee at work...

Have some money that you save and some that you spend. When I was little my mom wouldn't let me spend my money like I wanted too. When I got to be an adult I still had some of the money that I had saved as a child. So, I learned how to save at a young age. It helped me become very disciplined.

as soon as i get my allownace, i keep 50% of it in a box which contains all my savings, number-lock it and hide it in my locker. i keep the rest of it in a purse and some in my wallet which i carry to school. i take money from the purse as and when money from the wallet disappears. at the end of the month, i transfer whatever money remains in the purse to my "savings box". and when it reaches a rounded sum like 2000 rupees, i deposit it in my account. it has worked!

that's what money is designed to do...you have to make an effort to save it--even the smallest amount of $ is worth saving.  if discipline isn't your strong point, have someone close to you help you stick to one of the above suggestions--jaydaan's envelope method seems like an easy one to try.  but you have to try.

My wife and I have been working moderately hard to pay off our debts.  One of the best things we did was consolidate all credit card balances to loans with a specific term (6 years).  We closed all credit card accounts except one for emergencies and we do not buy on credit except for education, car and home.

I started using Microsoft Money a few months ago and categorize all transactions.  It is an easy way to see were the money is going and find opportunities to cut some costs.

also another way I save money is the trusty old change jar. I waitress a couple of nights a week so sometimes I get a lot of change. All change that I get from waitressing is put in the jar. I let it fill up and when it is filled all the way I either put it in my savings account or use it for something I need, like if I need clothes or if I am short that month for a particular bill. Like last month I cashed it in and put it in my checking to use for bills because I am currently only employed part time right now so my money is currently tight.

I use my allowance on clothes, books, makeup, accesories, gifts, trinktets, stationary, CDs, toiletries.... but if I want a succesful shopping trip, I have to save up for at least five months (£30- 1.50 a week.)

I have done some of the things listed here and it works.

I was a waitress last year. I kept my pay and put all of my tips in a jar. When it was full, I'd roll my money and put it in my bank accout. Saving money this way paid my tuition!

My sister introduced me to the envelope method. lol. I thought that we were the only 2 people who didhis. We both have fire proof boxes (that we bought at Walmart for about $30). She takes her money and divides it in envelopes for bills and things like that. I'm mostly saving, so I have an envelope to save for a house (downpayment or to buy things for my house), and another one for christmas gifts, etc.

When I was really broke...I'd write down where I spent my money....and I mean EVERYTHING...If I bought a pack of gum, I'd write it down. It REALLY gave me a good idea of where my money was going....Mostly takeout! LOL.

I hope this helps .